Recombinant Proteins
Product List
TANK Human (1-119)
TRAF Family Member-Associated NFKB Activator Human Recombinant (1-119 a.a.)
TANK is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
TRAF1 Human
TNF receptor-Associated Factor 1 Human Recombinant
Introduction
TNF Receptor-Associated Factors (TRAFs) are a family of adaptor proteins that play a crucial role in signal transduction from various receptors of the TNF receptor superfamily and the Toll/IL-1 receptor family. TRAFs are classified into seven members (TRAF1 to TRAF7) based on their structural and functional characteristics. They are characterized by the presence of a TRAF domain, which is essential for receptor binding and signal transduction.
Key Biological Properties: TRAFs are involved in the regulation of immune responses, inflammation, and apoptosis. They act as signal transducers that mediate the activation of various downstream signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and JNK pathways.
Expression Patterns: TRAFs are ubiquitously expressed in various tissues and cell types. However, their expression levels can vary significantly depending on the tissue type and the physiological or pathological conditions.
Tissue Distribution: TRAFs are widely distributed in different tissues, including the immune system (e.g., lymph nodes, spleen), the nervous system, and various epithelial tissues. Their distribution is indicative of their diverse roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to external stimuli.
Primary Biological Functions: TRAFs are primarily involved in the regulation of immune responses, inflammation, and cell survival. They act as adaptor proteins that facilitate the assembly of signaling complexes, leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways.
Role in Immune Responses: TRAFs play a critical role in the activation of immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, and macrophages. They are involved in the signaling pathways triggered by various cytokines, including TNF, IL-1, and IL-6, which are essential for the immune response.
Pathogen Recognition: TRAFs are also involved in the recognition of pathogens through their interaction with Toll-like receptors (TLRs). This interaction leads to the activation of innate immune responses, which are crucial for the early defense against infections.
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: TRAFs interact with various receptors and adaptor proteins to mediate signal transduction. They bind to the cytoplasmic domains of receptors through their TRAF domain and recruit other signaling molecules to form signaling complexes.
Binding Partners: TRAFs have several binding partners, including TNF receptors, IL-1 receptors, and TLRs. They also interact with other adaptor proteins, such as MyD88 and TRIF, to mediate downstream signaling.
Downstream Signaling Cascades: Upon activation, TRAFs mediate the activation of several downstream signaling pathways, including the NF-κB, MAPK, and JNK pathways. These pathways are involved in the regulation of gene expression, inflammation, and cell survival.
Regulatory Mechanisms that Control Expression and Activity: The expression and activity of TRAFs are tightly regulated at multiple levels, including transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional modifications, and post-translational modifications.
Transcriptional Regulation: The transcription of TRAF genes is regulated by various transcription factors, including NF-κB and AP-1. These transcription factors bind to the promoter regions of TRAF genes and modulate their expression in response to external stimuli.
Post-Translational Modifications: TRAFs undergo several post-translational modifications, including ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and sumoylation. These modifications can affect their stability, localization, and interaction with other proteins, thereby modulating their activity.
Biomedical Research: TRAFs are extensively studied in biomedical research due to their critical roles in immune responses and inflammation. They are used as model systems to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases.
Diagnostic Tools: TRAFs can serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases. For example, elevated levels of certain TRAFs have been associated with inflammatory diseases and cancers, making them potential targets for diagnostic assays.
Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting TRAFs and their signaling pathways has therapeutic potential for the treatment of various diseases. Inhibitors of TRAF-mediated signaling pathways are being developed as potential therapies for inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancers.
Role Throughout the Life Cycle: TRAFs play essential roles throughout the life cycle, from development to aging and disease. During development, TRAFs are involved in the regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. In adulthood, they maintain immune homeostasis and protect against infections. In aging, dysregulation of TRAF signaling can contribute to the development of age-related diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
